Siaya county is poised to make history as the potential host of Kenya’s first nuclear power plant, which government says will be a game changer to serve expanding industry and relieve the national energy shortage.
Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi said the Ministry of Energy is making ambitious plans to expand electricity generation capacity to meet the needs of accelerating industrialisation.
“As a fast-growing economy, the demand for electricity will continue to surge,” he said.
In response, Wandayi said, the government is taking proactive measures to expand its energy portfolio.
“For the first time in our history, we are making serious strides toward establishing a nuclear power plant to ensure reliable electricity supply for our industries, businesses and households,” he said.
Wandayi revealed the landmark project is planned for Siaya county, and a comprehensive stakeholders’ meeting has been scheduled for June 26. It will bring together top county leadership, including Governor James Orengo, MPs, MCAs, the Woman Representative, and key figures from all relevant sectors.
“This project will not only revolutionise our energy landscape but also serve as a legacy for President William Ruto,” Wandayi said.
“We are looking at an estimated investment of Sh305 billion and Sh500 billion spread across seven years,” Prof Justus Wabuyabo, CEO of the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency, said.
“We
aim to deliver this project through public-private partnerships.”
Kenya has already signed cooperation agreements with the United States and China, and is awaiting another with South Korea, to support aspects of the nuclear project.
Wabuyabo said the Siaya meeting on June 26 would aim to identify the most suitable locations near Lake Victoria, as a large water body will be needed to cool the nuclear reactors.
Kenya
identified Kwale, Kilifi, and Siaya potential sites for the facility.
Resistance by Kilifi residents and others, however, forced the government to prioritise broader stakeholder engagement in Nyanza.
“There are several points around Lake Victoria that have been earmarked for further scientific and environmental studies,” Wabuyabo said.
“We aim to determine the safest and most viable site to host this transformative project.”
The CEO said Kenya plans to break ground in 2027 for the plant expected to be commissioned in 2032.
During the construction phase alone, more than 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, offering a major economic boost to the Nyanza and Western regions.
The government will also engage Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology as a training hub for the plant’s workforce. Academic partnerships are standard practice in countries with nuclear facilities, ensuring local capacity building and safety.
Stakeholder engagement will be ongoing, Wabuyabo emphasised.
If land is required for the project, the government will carry out transparent discussions on compensation, the CEO said.
“The nuclear plant will bring clean, affordable and stable electricity,” he said.
“It will help reduce blackouts and lower power costs for Kenyans,” he said.
“We are looking at an estimated investment of Sh305 billion and Sh500 billion spread across seven years,” Wabuyabo said.
Kenya has already signed cooperation agreements with the US and China, and is awaiting another with South Korea, to support aspects of the nuclear project.
“As we move forward, we are committed to safety, community engagement, and national dialogue,” Wabuyabo said.
“The well-being of our people remains our top priority.”
If
successful, Siaya could become Kenya’s cradle of nuclear energy, a development
redefining the country’s
energy future.
